Relapse & Recurrence

Relapse can be a common part of the recovery process; many people with eating disorders experience a relapse or recurrence as they recover from their disorder and learn to manage their eating habits.

It should be kept in mind that a relapse or recurrence does not signify a failure to recover; instead, it should simply be seen as a normal part of recovery.

Many people with eating disorders view relapses as an opportunity to learn from the experience and to improve their skills so they can cope with the relapse next time.

How likely is a relapse?

While many people with eating disorders will encounter a relapse or recurrence as they recover, those who display certain risk factors may be more likely to relapse during the process of recovery.

When considering how likely relapse and recurrence will be, the below should be taken into account:

The amount of time the person has been living with the eating disorder; the longer the duration of the illness, the higher the chances of relapse

The age of the person at the onset of their eating disorder; the older the person is at the time of onset, the more likely they are to relapse

Whether the person has been treated in a general hospital/clinic or a specialised eating disorder clinic; patients who are treated in an eating disorder clinic are much less likely to relapse

Whether the person carries out excessive exercise, even after recovery is complete

Whether an increased focus or recurring concern with body shape and weight is present, even after recovery

Low self-esteem or poor ability to interact with others

The occurrence of negative and stressful life events

Specific risk factors for relapse

In addition to the above risk factors, there is also evidence that relates to people suffering from anorexia nervosa. The following risk factors have been associated with relapse for a person with anorexia nervosa:

Risk factors

Lower per cent body-fat in recently weight-restored women

Lower desired weight (when a person wishes to be a lower weight even after recovery, there is an increased chance of relapse)

Consuming an overall diet of lower energy density or a limited variety of foods

If you have relapsed

It is valuable to still maintain hope even when relapse/recurrence has occurred. Remember that relapse is common.

While relapsing may feel like a step backwards, you can still learn much from a relapse or recurrence. For instance, you may be able to identify the triggers that caused the relapse or you may learn new coping techniques, which can help you recover more quickly or easily next time.

If you have relapsed, these tips may help you:

Remind yourself that relapse is a normal part of recovery

Try not to focus on the fact that you have relapsed; instead focus on finding your way back to recovery

Seek help from your clinicians or support network and don’t be afraid to tell them you have relapsed

Try to identify the triggers that have caused the relapse and consider how you could deal with these triggers next time

Employ the coping skills and techniques you have learned throughout the recovery process

Boost your self-esteem by spending time with your support network and/or engaging in activities that you enjoy

For more information on relapse and recurrence, find professional help in your local area or phone the national support line on 1800 ED HOPE.

This Internet site is presented by the Butterfly Foundation as co-ordinating agency of the National Eating Disorders Collaboration for the purpose of providing information and resources on the prevention and management of eating disorders for the benefit of the public. The Butterfly Foundation as co-ordinating agency of the National Eating Disorders Collaboration monitors the information available on this Internet site and updates the information regularly. The Commonwealth and the Butterfly Foundation do not guarantee, and accept no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on this Internet site or on any linked site.

The National Eating Disorders Collaboration is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health.

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